Gina Fullbright, a registered nurse with the New Mexico Department of Health’s Public Health Division’s Southwest Region, was recognized on April 17 for her work expanding access to HIV prevention medication in southern New Mexico. Fullbright received a Nursing Excellence Award from the New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence at its annual ceremony held on April 11.
The award specifically acknowledges Fullbright’s efforts with the HIV-PrEP program, which provides preventative treatment to patients at risk for HIV infection. This recognition highlights ongoing initiatives to improve public health outcomes and increase awareness of preventive care in communities across the state.
“Nurses are lifesavers, and the New Mexico Department of Health is proud of all our nurses’ contributions to our agency and the larger community: the state of New Mexico,” said Gina DeBlassie, cabinet secretary of NMDOH. “This award recognizes that work.”
Heather Black, chief nurse for NMDOH’s Public Health Division, also spoke about those nominated: “All five of our amazing nominees deserve recognition for their dedication and hard work to make New Mexico the healthiest state.”
Fullbright began her career with NMDOH at the Roswell public health office and has spent most of her tenure at the Las Cruces public health office. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Four other NMDOH nurses—Tina Bunton, Dolores Coronado, Rosie Hudson and Michelle Ramirez—were also nominated for this year’s award.
The department said that recognizing nurses’ achievements encourages continued excellence in healthcare delivery throughout New Mexico.
